Adeccos top ten christmas party career tips

As Christmas decorations twinkle from the office interior and holiday merriment begins to spread, recruitment firm Adecco today announces its top ten career tips for Christmas parties, enabling workers across the country to be safe in the knowledge that come January they have a job to return to.

The end of the year traditionally is a time for reflection, appraisals and bonuses. However, a yearís worth of good work can be undone in a few dangerous hours during the íChristmas partyí season. As workers in the UK head to restaurants and bars for a festive shindig, what are the career hints and tips to remember as the night gets going!

Start on the right foot - Check the dress code, know where you are going and leave enough time to get there.

Make a friend - Make sure you have some conversation starters and stoppers in your back pocket, so you can get out there and mingle with new people.

Bad tab habits - The company may be laying on the drinks, but donít start ordering rounds for the entire bar on the office tab without permission.

Wine and beer, oh dear - Donít mix your drinks; remember everything catches up with you the following day. Also, eat something beforehand if a meal is not being provided.

Buffet etiquette - Donít order food that is difficult to eat, especially in front of others.

Dealing with unwanted attention - Over a third of people meet their partners at work, but make sure you keep your distance from the over affectionate!

Beware the inappropriate joke - Everyone has a different sense of humour, consider your audience before reciting your thoughts.

Donít do a íBrentí - Donít over do it on the dance moves unless you truly are as gifted as Fred Astaire. Too many íshimmiesí will come back to haunt you in the New Year.

Show me the way to go home - Train, taxi or bus, make sure you plan ahead to ensure you get home safely, or book a B&B for the night.

Hangover help - Rehydrate the ímorning afterí. Get up and take a hot shower, eat something and get some fresh air.

Mark Bloxham, Marketing and Communications Manager from Adecco comments, Christmas parties are notorious for bringing out the worst in people. Guests often forget parties are an extension of the office environment and as such some basic guidelines should be followed if you want to make the right impression. That said, they are an excellent way to network with people within a company. Behave yourself, donít talk shop too much and you will have a career wise end to a successful year.

Christmas parties are a celebration of a yearís hard work, but they are also a great chance to network or just meet people you may not see on a day-to-day basis. So, if you were thinking of ígoing for ití this Christmas keep in mind that your colleagues have long memories. íInfamyí is not the best word to be associated with in the workplace.